Dementia is a Journey

Dementia is a progressive condition, so the needs of the individual will change. The key is to create a flexible environment that can be easily adapted. You should regularly assess the space and adjust as needed to ensure continued comfort and safety for your loved one.

By creating a safe and supportive environment for residents who suffer from dementia can make a significant difference in the well-being of those living with it. Our new community for memory care in Ann Arbor is designed for Alzheimer’s and dementia care in mind to help foster familiarity, reduce confusion, and promote a sense of calm.

Learn more about how to create a safe haven for your loved one living with dementia here.

Enrich Your Life with Memory Care in Ann Arbor

Our dementia-friendly environment promotes dignity, independence, and a sense of well-being for those living with this condition. Please call Hillside Terrace at (734) 761-4451 or contact us online today!

Building a Haven: Creating Dementia-Friendly Environments

Creating a safe and supportive environment for residents who suffer from dementia can make a significant difference in their well-being. Our new memory care building is designed for Alzheimer’s and dementia care in mind to help foster familiarity, reduce confusion, and promote a sense of calm. We’ve taken the following factors into consideration when we built our new facility, including:

1.     Use of natural light

2.     Minimize clutter and busy patterns

3.     Prioritize safety and security

4.     Incorporate familiar objects or pictures

5.     Use calming paint colors and natural textures

Learn more about how to create a safe haven for your loved one living with dementia here.

Enrich Your Life with Memory Care in Ann Arbor

Our dementia-friendly environment promotes dignity, independence, and a sense of well-being for those living with this condition.

If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, we welcome you to contact Hillside Terrace Memory Care in Ann Arbor. We would love to meet you, hear about your needs, and see how we can help enrich your parent’s life while keeping them healthy and safe. Please call Hillside Terrace at (734) 761-4451 or contact us online today!

Promoting Mental Health and Wellness at Hillside Terrace Senior Living

The move to an assisted living facility is a significant life change for your loved one. It often involves leaving behind familiar surroundings, friends, and routines, which can trigger feelings of loss, isolation and anxiety. Additionally, many residents may be coping with chronic health conditions, limited mobility, or cognitive decline, further increasing their vulnerability to mental health issues.

At Hillside Terrace Senior Living in Ann Arbor, we promote mental health and wellness by:

1. Establishing a supportive environment

2. Providing access to mental health services

3. Encouraging physical activity

4. Fostering meaningful engagement 

5. Supporting healthy nutrition

6. Cultivating a culture of empathy and compassion

Learn more about how Hillside Terrace promotes mental health here.

Allow Your Loved One to Live Comfortably - Hillside Terrace Assisted Living Ann Arbor 

 

When your aging parents move into an assisted living community, you won’t have to worry if someone is there to help get them back on their feet. If you’re interested in learning more about assisted living in Ann Arbor at Hillside Terrace or scheduling a tour, contact us today! 734-761-4451

Best Types of Martial Arts for Your Aging Loved One

Tai Chi – This is a soft type of martial arts that is comprised of flowing movements. 

Jiu-Jitsu – This martial art involves a lot of groundwork, strengthening your entire body and can improve your overall hip flexibility.

Wing Chun – This is a martial art that focuses on open-handed strikes instead of close-fisted strikes.

Learn more about the benefits of martial arts in your golden years here.

Schedule Your Tour Today! 

Hillside Terrace provides an “aging by choice” philosophy. We work with your family to create the best possible living situation for your senior relative. Our housing, dining, and care services will make your loved one feel at home! 

If you’re interested in learning more about assisted living in Ann Arbor at Hillside Terrace or scheduling a tour, contact us today! 734-761-4451.

Caregiving or Assisted Living?

Are you considering moving your elderly parent into your home?

Deciding whether you should move your elderly parent into your home can be difficult. You may feel like you owe it to your parents, but is it the best decision for everyone? Caregiving within the family is a viable option for many people, but not for everyone. Ask yourself: are you able to provide for your elderly parent’s needs?

Needs and Socialization

Some elderly folks are healthy and independent, but they could
have specific medical needs and need extra assistance with everyday tasks. Many elderly individuals need help with activities of daily living (ADL’s) like getting dressed, using the bathroom, and getting around the house. Are you comfortable performing these tasks? Do you have the time to devote to them?

It's also important for your elderly parent to have plenty of socialization—isolation can quickly lead to senior depression and loneliness. Does your work situation allow you to spend time with them? Will there always be someone at home to keep them company? If they’ll be alone for long periods of time, at-home caregiving may not be your best option.

Read more about caregiving vs. assisted living here.

Fulfill Their Needs with Assisted Living in Ann Arbor

Before deciding to move your elderly parent into your home, consider choosing assisted living in Ann Arbor. Hillside Terrace treats your elderly loved ones like family; they get the care and attention that they deserve, and you don’t have to drastically alter your life. Give us a call at (734) 761-4451 or submit a contact form and ask about our senior living accommodations.

Assisted Living in Ann Arbor for Your Loved Ones

 Are you acting as a caregiver for your elderly family member?

You want the best for your aging family members and friends. Many of us would drop everything to help them, but it’s simply not realistic to be available at all times. Caregiving takes a heavy toll on a person’s physical and mental health. Even if you have an endless wealth of love for the person in your care, it can be a heavy burden to carry.

Learn more about the responsibilities of elderly caregiving here.

Choose Assisted Living in Ann Arbor

If you’re constantly stressed from the duties of caregiving, not only will the quality of your life go down, but the quality of your elderly loved one’s life will go down. Your happiness is a key ingredient to the happiness of your loved ones, especially those in need of elderly care. By choosing assisted living in Ann Arbor, you’re still showing how much you love them—you care enough for them to have a safe, peaceful place to live, with ample help from professional caregivers. 

To inquire about moving your loved one into Hillside Terrace, give us a call at (734) 761-4451 or contact us on our website!

The Duties of a Caregiver for the Elderly

Does your elderly loved one need help with daily activities? 

According to aplaceformom.com, there are ten daily responsibilities that caregivers will face:

1. Prepare a care plan
2. Assess your care plan regularly
3. Assess medical needs
4. Monitor medications
5. Assist with basic needs
6. Help with housekeeping
7. Prepare meals
8. Assist with transfer and mobility 
9. Provide transportation
10. Provide companionship

Learn more about the duties of elderly caregiving here. 

Contact Hillside Terrace for Assisted Living in Ann Arbor

Some individuals need more care than others. For many people, excelling at these duties and keeping up with their own life is an incredibly difficult balance. This is one of the reasons that Hillside Terrace strives to create a happy, healthy environment for your aging loved ones.

To inquire about housing your loved one at Hillside Terrace assisted living in Ann Arbor, give us a call at (734) 761-4451 or contact us on our website!

Memory Box Therapy is Soothing & Therapeutic

 According to A Place for Mom, Familiar items can be soothing and therapeutic to seniors experiencing dementia.

“Each resident has a prop box individualized for them — their box contains both comforting objects and stimulating items centered around their life history, interests, and the things they enjoy,” Martinez says. “That box can be used by any of our team members, or the resident can use it independently if they aren’t interested in a group activity or choose to reminisce alone."

Memory box items may include any of the following:

• A photo album
• A kitchen apron
• A treasured Christmas ornament
• A favorite painting
• A wedding dress, military uniform, or favorite item of clothing
• An audio recording of nature sounds or family voices
• Scented wax or sachets that smell like home
• A familiar tool, like a wooden spoon for a cook or sandpaper for a carpenter
• Home videos saved to a tablet

Visiting relatives can use the memory box as a conversation starter, Martinez says. A selection of familiar things can offer families quality time together without the pressure of finding something to talk about.

Learn more about other memory care activities that keep seniors active and engaged here.

Memory Care Designed with You in Mind!

If you’re looking for memory care in Ann Arbor, that place might be Hillside Terrace. We’ve been family owned and operated since 2006. Our assisted and independent living community is a nurturing and stimulating environment on beautiful grounds with many amenities. For years we’ve dreamed of opening a specialized memory care facility to provide a safe, caring home for this vulnerable population. We’re honored to welcome residents to our new Hillside Terrace Memory Care home opening in the Winter of 2023. 

We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today!

Memory Care Activities That Keep Seniors Active and Engaged

To help improve your loved ones memory to remember the things they love, A Place for Mom, recommends “eight popular memory care therapies:

·      Music therapy

·      Video therapy

·      Stimulating therapy

·      Memory prop box

·      Art therapy

·      Pet therapy

·      Taste and scent therapy

·      Tactile simulation

Learn more about memory care activities that keep seniors active and engaged here.

Tour Facilities for Memory Care in Ann Arbor: Schedule Your Tour Today!

 

Our "Aging by Choice" philosophy allows a flexibility of options for our residents and their families; you choose what is best for you, and we make it possible. We’re confident in our ability to provide the best quality of care, the security, and the family atmosphere you’re seeking! We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. 

 

We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace for Memory Care today!

Ask Yourself These Questions When Your Parent Refuses Help

 Are you frustrated that your parent refuses your help?

A Place for Mom suggests that you “ask yourself some of these questions when it comes to your parents’ behavior: 

• Are they acting this way out of habit?
• Are they worried about losing their independence?
• Are they suffering from depression or anxiety?
• Are they confused or do they have dementia?
• What are some things they may be fearing?”

Identifying the root causes of your parents’ behavior can help you identify the best way to make positive changes.

Learn more about what to do when parents’ refuse help, here.

Still have unanswered questions? Schedule a tour at Hillside Terrace Senior Living to get all your questions answered by our friendly staff.

What to do When Your Parent Refuses Help

 Are you frustrated that your parent refuses your help?

Have you suggested options to improve your parent’s quality of life, and been turned down?

Is your mom or dad stubborn and not willing to listen to reason?

According to A Place for Mom, “Aging care and health professionals recommend the following steps to relieve the resentment and anxiety that can accompany assisting elderly parents who refuse help.”

1. Understand their motivations

2. Accept the situation

3. Choose your battles 

4. Don’t beat yourself up 

5. Treat your aging parents like adults

6. Ask them to do it for the kids 

7. Find an outlet for your feelings

Learn more about what to do when parents’ refuse help, here.

Still have unanswered questions? Schedule a tour at Hillside Terrace Senior Living to get all your questions answered by our friendly staff.

It is Time for Memory Care?

It’s a difficult and emotional experience moving a loved one into a memory care facility. At Hillside Terrace, we understand the issues and emotions around such a painful milestone. We’ve been a family owned and operated living facility since 2006, welcoming many mothers, fathers, and grandparents to our home. Our assisted and independent living community is a nurturing and stimulating environment on beautiful grounds with many amenities.  

For years we’ve dreamed of opening a specialized memory care facility to provide a safe, caring home for this vulnerable population. We’re honored to welcome residents to our new Hillside Terrace Memory Care home opening in the Fall of 2022. 

Our philosophy is a holistic focus on the well-being of our residents. We know that promoting independence, creating an engaging environment, and developing relationships based on trust are key to building a real home here for your loved ones.  

Visit our website to learn more about the lifestyle options at Hillside Terrace. 

Signs It May Be Time for Memory Care

It’s painful watching your loved one lose their memory. Even harder knowing the cognitive decline of dementia often ends up stealing their independence. You want your loved ones to be happy and safe, but if they’re living with dementia, happy and safe may mean moving into a memory care facility. 

Dementia looks different from person to person. Although it often progresses in a similar pattern, the extent of cognitive decline and the speed at which it progresses is unpredictable. That can make it difficult to decide when it’s time to move to memory care. Behavioral issues and compromised safety are common signs it may be time. 

Visit our website for nine signs it might be time for memory care.

Alzheimer’s or “senior moments?”

 

Everyone can have a bad day, but there’s a difference between a minor episode compared to frequent issues with the following:

• Brain freeze: forgetting the rules of a game, losing your train of thought, or forgetting where you’re going are part of normal human experience, but the frequency and severity of these episodes can foreshadow a problem.
• Confusion: forgetting an appointment is normal but forgetting the appointment location — or how to get there — can signal a warning.
• Losing things: we’ve all misplaced our keys, but misplacing objects daily may be a concern.

Learn more about how to know if it’s Alzheimer’s or something more serious here.

Tour Memory Care Facilities in Ann Arbor: Schedule Your Tour Today!

Our "Aging by Choice" philosophy allows a flexibility of options for our residents and their families; you choose what is best for you, and we make it possible. We’re confident in our ability to provide the best quality of care, the security, and the family atmosphere you’re seeking! We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. 

We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today!

Alzheimer’s or neurological symptoms?

Neurological problems can be a warning sign for Alzheimer’s and dementia. If you’re having problems with your motor skills, it’s worth visiting a doctor:

• Major changes in personality: big changes from financial decision-making to personal grooming
• Physical changes: reading is suddenly difficult, or judging distance or discerning color seems a challenge
• Trouble speaking or writing: struggles with following a conversation or repeating oneself

Learn more about how to know if it’s Alzheimer’s or something more serious here.

Tour Memory Care Facilities in Ann Arbor: Schedule Your Tour Today!

Our "Aging by Choice" philosophy allows a flexibility of options for our residents and their families; you choose what is best for you, and we make it possible. We’re confident in our ability to provide the best quality of care, the security, and the family atmosphere you’re seeking! We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. 

We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today!

Delirium vs. Dementia: Symptoms You Need to Know

People with dementia and those experiencing delirium can both show signs of confusion and decreased awareness. 

Whether your family member has dementia or delirium, they may have difficulty following a conversation, may not understand where they are, or may not remember important facts, such as what day it is, where they live, or their loved ones’ names.

How do you know which symptoms require a talk with your loved one’s doctor?

Delirium begins suddenly and develops quickly. Dementia begins gradually and progresses over time.

Delirium is temporary and reversible. Dementia is permanent and symptoms worsen as the disease progresses.

Read the full article about delirium vs. dementia and how a memory care facility in Ann Arbor can help!

If your loved one seems confused, talk to their doctor. There are also some other things you can do to help, including staying connected (check in with your loved one often), pay attention to changes, discuss unusual symptoms with a doctor, and lend a hand during recovery by helping your loved one with daily activities, or seek other care options, such as a memory care facility, which can offer help with meals, bathing, medication management, and more.

Tour Memory Care Facilities in Ann Arbor: Schedule Your Tour Today!

Our "Aging by Choice" philosophy allows a flexibility of options for our residents and their families; you choose what is best for you, and we make it possible. We’re confident in our ability to provide the best quality of care, the security, and the family atmosphere you’re seeking! We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. 

We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today!

What’s the Difference Between Delirium and Dementia?

A loved one being confused can be a very challenging experience for you and your family. As your parents get older, you’ve probably noticed that they have difficulty remembering recent events or that they sometimes show unusual behavior. 

How do you know when typical elderly confusion is something more serious? 

Delirium symptoms often occur suddenly, within hours or days. While delirium symptoms are usually temporary and reversible, these symptoms are also indicative of a serious, new problem that requires medical attention.

People with dementia may have problems with memory, language, thinking, problem solving, and other functions that affect daily living.

How you can help elderly adults

If your loved one seems confused, talk to their doctor. There are also some other things you can do to help, including staying connected (check in with your loved one often), pay attention to changes, discuss unusual symptoms with a doctor, and lend a hand during recovery by helping your loved one with daily activities, or seek other care options, such as a memory care facility, which can offer help with meals, bathing, medication management, and more.

Read the full article about delirium vs. dementia and how a memory care facility in Ann Arbor can help!

Are you looking for the right memory care facility?

Choosing the right senior home for memory care can feel like an overwhelming process, but Hillside Terrace is here to help you! We’re a family-owned senior living facility that offers many levels of care, from independent living to enhanced memory care. We pride ourselves on offering varied amenities that give our residents a home away from home. 

If you’re looking for memory care in Ann Arbor, Hillside Terrace is the place for you! Contact us today to schedule your virtual or in-person tour.

What Triggers Sundown Syndrome?

It’s unknown what causes sundown syndrome, but research suggests these possible triggers:

• End of day activity
• Fatigue
• Low light
• Internal imbalance
• Winter blues
• Infection

If you or a loved one is showing signs of sundowning, it’s a good idea to discuss their medications and potential side effects with a doctor.

Learn more about Sundown Syndrome here!

Schedule Your Tour Today! Virtual or In-Person Tours Available

Hillside Terrace provides an “aging by choice” philosophy. We work with your family to create the best possible living situation for your senior relative. Our housing, dining, and care services will make your loved one feel at home! Let our family take care of yours.

Call Hillside Terrace today to learn more about our memory care services at (734) 761-4451 to schedule a visit!

What is Sundown Syndrome?

Sundown syndrome is used to describe a range of unusual behaviors that occur during the transition from day to night, like agitation, confusion, and restlessness.  The syndrome primarily affects people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. In fact, as many as one in five people with Alzheimer’s will experience sundowning, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Sometimes seniors recovering from surgery in hospitals or unfamiliar environments will also experience sundown syndrome.

For some, symptoms of sundowning can be more severe, including:

• Hallucinating
• Hiding things
• Feeling paranoid
• Acting violently

Learn more about Sundown Syndrome here!

Schedule Your Tour Today! Virtual or In-Person Tours Available

Hillside Terrace provides an “aging by choice” philosophy. We work with your family to create the best possible living situation for your senior relative. Our housing, dining, and care services will make your loved one feel at home! Let our family take care of yours.

Call Hillside Terrace today to learn more about our memory care services at (734) 761-4451 to schedule a visit!

Eight signs of mental health problems in seniors

As loved ones age, we can’t help but notice changes in them. Often the changes are physical and happen slowly and naturally. But what if we start to notice personality changes? What types of behavioral changes are normal? Which ones might be a sign of something worrisome?

The following eight symptoms are signs you may be dealing with a serious issue. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to talk to a doctor about your observations:

• Difficulty maintaining concentration – sudden confusion or disorientation
• Rapid appetite or weight changes
• Home or personal appearance in disrepair
• Memory issues, especially short-term memory loss or problems with recent memories
• Ongoing depressed moods lasting two weeks or longer
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness, undue guilt, or suicidal thoughts
• Unexplainable physical pain or fatigue
• Isolation from social groups or loss of interest in friends and hobbies

 

If you have questions about assisted living or have noticed changes in your loved one, please give us a call at 734-761-4451 or visit our website at www.hillsideterrace.net.